Cork trained star White Birch ruled out of Saturday’s Coral Eclipse Stakes

Saturday’s blockbuster clash of the generations at Sandown Park between the Cork trained White Birch and the Epsom Derby winner City Of Troy will not now happen. 

White Birch was this morning ruled out of Saturday’s Group One Coral-Eclipse after an unsatisfactory blood test.

John Murphy’s stable star’s clash with City Of Troy had been highly anticipated after both their recent victories were validated by beaten rivals.

George Murphy who is assistant trainer to his father told the trade newspaper the Racing Post this morning “White Birch had a blood test this morning and unfortunately it hasn’t come back hundred per cent perfect. 

“As a result, we’ve decided not to travel to Sandown for the Eclipse this weekend. 

“The horse is in good form at home and we’re looking forward to the rest of the season with him.”

White Birch has had a sensational season to date and is unbeaten in three races. 

The exciting grey horse had become something of a Curragh specialist and had improved significantly from three to four.

He produced a career best performance when winning the Group One Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh in May. 

The runner-up that day Auguste Rodin went on to win the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot last month.

White Birch, who ideally would prefer some cut in the ground, was unlikely to have those conditions at Sandown on Saturday. 

He was also ruled out of Royal Ascot last month where he was due to cross swords again with Auguste Rodin. 

In his absence City Of Troy’s opponents will be headed by another three-year-old Dancing Gemini who finished sixth over eight lengths behind the Ballydoyle superstar at Epsom. 

Clive Cox saddles Ghostwriter, who finished ahead of City Of Troy when fourth in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket. 

However, City Of Troy had an off day in Newmarket and was back to his imperious best in Epsom Aidan O’Brien could also run Luxembourg, the recent Coronation Cup winner. 

He is one of four Ballydoyle entries. 

In White Birch’s absence a maximum field of ten might now line up on Saturday. 

Bookmakers reacted by cutting City Of Troy to as short as 2/7 with 1/3 the best price on offer for punters who like to bet the skinny fractions.